Longshot Do It All Wires Zabeel Mile

Do It All, dismissed at 26-1, led from start to finish to win the $250,000 Zabeel Mile Sponsored by Commercial Bank of Dubai (UAE-IIT) March 1. The one mile turf contest was the first of two stakes races on the Thursday evening card at Meydan Racecourse.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the son of Distorted Humor was on the also-eligible list and only drew into the race when Rock Jock was scratched earlier in the day. Silvestre de Sousa picked up the mount on Do It All. The 5-year-old horse had been well-beaten in his two previous starts during the Carnival, with one of those losses coming at the hands of Viscount Nelson, who defeated him by 13 lengths in the Al Fahidi Fort Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (UAE-IIT) Feb. 16.

Do It All broke alertly and was sent straight to the front by de Sousa. He was tracked closely by Derbaas and Dark Matter as Sandagiyr, winner of the Firebreak Stakes (UAE-IIIT) last time out, sat off the pace in sixth. Favored Viscount Nelson was settled at the rear of the field by Kevin Shea.

Do It All continued to have things his own way on the backstretch as he led the field on a relatively slow pace. The bay horse continued to hold a slight advantage as he raced through the far turn and entered the home straight.

Derbaas pulled alongside the longtime leader to challenge for the lead with two furlongs left to run and the pair matched strides briefly. But Do It All kicked clear and began to pull away in deep stretch, eventually crossing the wire 1 3/4 lengths in front.

Derbaas held on for second by a head over the late-closing Dux Scholar. Both Sandagiyr and Viscount Nelson were never factors, finishing fourth and seventh, respectively.

The final time for the mile was 1:38.98 over a turf course listed as good.

“We had been well-beaten twice at the Carnival, but he is a big gross horse who has needed the runs and I knew he was improving," de Sousa said. "I was able to set my own tempo and then he quickened nicely. Hopefully he can build on this.”

Do It All was bred in Kentucky by Winsong Farm. He is the first foal out of Stupendous Miss, a daughter of Dynaformer who captured the All Along Breeders’ Cup Stakes (gr. IIIT) in 2005. Do It All was consigned by Denali Stud, agent, to the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August yearling sale, where he was purchased for $900,000 by John Ferguson.

Do It All began his career under the tutelage of Eoin Harty, winning twice in eight starts. He was transferred to Godolphin late last fall.

Fox Hunt Much the Best in Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Fox Hunt took the lead with two furlongs left and rolled to an impressive 2 1/2-length victory in the $200,000 Nad Al Sheba Trophy Sponsored by Attijari Al Islami (UAE-IIIT). The 14-furlong turf marathon was the co-feature on Thursday’s Meydan program.

The 5-year-old gelding by Dubawi was settled just off the early pace by Frankie Dettori as Mashoor led the field at a steady gallop through the first mile. As the field entered the home straight Fox Hunt shot past the tiring leaders and took command, easily holding off the late charge of Opinion Poll for the victory.

Jakkalberry passed tired horses late to take third, finishing 1 1/4 lengths behind Opinion Poll. The final time for the race was 3:01.09 over the good turf course.

Fox Hunt is owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s son, Sheikh Hamdan, and is trained by Mahmood al Zarooni, who also conditioned the runner-up.

Fox Hunt was bred in Ireland by Ballylinch Stud and is out of Kiltubber, a stakes-winning daughter of Sadler’s Wells. Fox Hunt’s second dam is Priory Belle, who was named champion juvenile filly in Ireland in 1995.